No new teachers in Traverse City sign pledge on Dec. 29 to teach Critical Race Theory

By North Michigan News

Dec 31, 2021

There were no new teachers in Traverse City who signed the pledge on Dec. 29, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on Dec. 28, the day before. It now has four pledges from Traverse City teachers.

They’re one of the thousands of US teachers pledging to continue educating students about the controversial Critical Race Theory, which explains racism is embedded in US culture and politics.

Comments from Traverse City teachers included, "I want taught our whole history growing up, and only now my eyes have been opened. But I regret not seeking more and learning more earlier on. I don't want my children or my students learning false or botched history" and "I will always teach students to think critically, which means they must examine all points of view. I will never lie to my students".

Though the concept was first suggested in the late 70’s, it has recently exploded as a contentious issue between the American right and left in the last two years.

Many who signed the pledge are defying state bans on the teachings. Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas have passed legislation banning discussions about the US being inherently racist.

Other states, such as Montana and South Dakota, have denounced the teachings without passing specific legislation.

In an interview with The Washington Free Beacon', Ashley Varner of the Freedom Foundation accused the Zinn Education Project of providing “left-leaning propaganda to teachers.”

Teachers in Traverse City who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Alison Sullivan	my students deserve the truth. As Ibram Kendi says, if we love our country, we need to be honest about what it is.
David Richardson	I will always teach students to think critically, which means they must examine all points of view. I will never lie to my students.
Duncan Moran	It is more imperative than ever to teach facts as well as to teach children how to interpret text. The history of academia has always been about academic freedom as well as ethical participation in arguement.
Jessica Taylor	I want taught our whole history growing up, and only now my eyes have been opened. But I regret not seeking more and learning more earlier on. I don't want my children or my students learning false or botched history.